PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Andrew Schiff, the longtime CEO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, shared on Friday that he will retire in 2025. "It has been a tremendous honor to lead the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and play a small role in caring and advocating for families who need it most," Schiff said. "When I first interviewed for this position, I said we needed to have big ideas and a big heart. This organization has both in ample supply, and I am proud to say that we are in a strong position as we look for a new leader with the vision to carry the Food Bank into its next chapter." Schiff said he is stepping down because he wants to spend more time with his family and his new grandson. During his 17-year term as CEO, the organization said Schiff "doubled the amount of food distributed to people in need," allowing the Food Bank to serve over 82,000 people each month. "Through the recession of 2008, a global pandemic, and this current time of unprecedented need, Andrew has been both a calm and courageous leader," said Jyothi Subramaniam, the president of the organization's board of directors. "He leads this organization with a strong vision and approaches the work with humility and compassion." One of Schiff's key goals was always to have more "healthy and culturally relevant food" available for Rhode Islanders, but he also focused advocacy on other issues, such as increasing access to SNAP, increasing the state's minimum wage and raising the earned income tax credit. A national search process for a new CEO will start in the fall. Schiff is expected to stay on board until late spring to assist with the search. NEXT: $125M coming to RI for Washington Bridge Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW